Effects of sorghum (sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench)‎ root exudates and extracts on early developmental stages of strigahermonthica (del.)‎ Benth

Abstract EN

Two types of laboratory experiments (in vitro and in vivo) were undertaken at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gezira, Sudan, to investigate the effects of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) root exudates and root extracts on early developmental stages of Strigahermonthica (Del.) Benth.

collected from different locations in Sudan.

Collection of seeds was made in S.

hermonthica endemic areas in Gadarif, Gezira and Kordofan.

A total of fifteen Striga populations were collected.

Twelve S.

hermonthica populations, one each, were collected from under sorghum and three S.

hermonthica populations, one each, were collected from under millet.

The fifteen S.

hermonthica populations were arranged in completely randomized design with three replicates.

Striga seeds and/or germilings were examined under a binocular for germination, haustorium initiation, attachment and penetration 24, 72, 144, 192 hour after initial incubation, respectively.

Data were collected and subjected to analysis of variance procedure.

Means were separated for significant using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (P≤ 0.5).

The results revealed that root exudates and extracts of all plants induced seed germination and haustorium initiation in S.

hermonthica.

However, the highest germination, haustorium initiation, attachment and penetration attained by each of S.

hermonthica population, were on their respective hosts.

These findings suggest the existence of both inter-and intra-crop specificity.

Moreover, the results confirmed the existence of two strains of S.

hermonthica, one specific to sorghum and the other, to millet.